A terrifying mid-air collision between two helicopters in South New Jersey ended in tragedy on Sunday, leaving one pilot dead and another seriously injured.
The crash took place just after 12:00PM in Hammonton, a small town in Atlantic County, when two vintage helicopters - an Enstrom F-28A and an Enstrom 280C - collided near the Hammonton Municipal Airport, per The New York Post.
Shocking crash caught on camera near Tractor Supply store
Dramatic footage shared on social media captured the immediate aftermath, with a huge black cloud of smoke billowing into the sky.
The video, shot from the parking lot of a local Tractor Supply Co. store, shows bystanders reacting in horror as the wreckage burned in the distance.
Scanner audio from emergency services revealed the chaos responders faced at the crash site, located at 100 Basin Road - less than three miles from the airport.
“We got one helicopter fully involved, I’m looking for the second one, I got another one in the woods down. Start extrication, we’re gonna need expedited response,” a dispatcher said.
Another voice added: “We have two confirmed injuries.”
According to 6ABC Action News, one of the pilots did not survive.
FAA confirms only two people were involved
The Federal Aviation Administration issued a statement confirming the crash and clarified that each helicopter was carrying just the pilot.
“An Enstrom F-28A helicopter and Enstrom 280C helicopter collided in mid-air near Hammonton Municipal Airport in New Jersey around 12:25PM local time on Sunday, Dec. 28,” the FAA wrote.
“Only the pilots were on board each aircraft. The FAA and National Transportation Safety Board will investigate. The NTSB will be in charge of the investigation and will provide further updates.”
Aerial photos of the wreckage show the devastating impact. One of the helicopters was burned nearly to ash, with only the tail remaining somewhat intact. The second helicopter appeared to have had its tail torn off, with the cockpit completely crushed.
Another video posted online reportedly shows one of the helicopters spiraling uncontrollably before disappearing behind the tree line.
Eyewitness describes horrifying moment
Dan Dameshek, 34, happened to be leaving a nearby gym when he heard what sounded like a violent snap overhead. He pulled out his phone and caught some of the aftermath on camera.
“Turned around and saw one helicopter go from right side up to upside down and dive into the ground,” Dameshek told NBC News.
“For a second it looked like the other helicopter was OK, then I heard another smack like metal slapping metal and it started spinning out of control and that’s what you see on the video.”
Officials respond as investigation begins
New Jersey Lt. Governor Tahesha Way acknowledged the incident on X, saying she had “been updated” on the crash. Governor Phil Murphy’s office, however, has yet to issue a statement. His current location remains unknown.
Local authorities, including the New Jersey State Police and Hammonton Police Chief Kevin Friel, have not responded to requests for more details.
Hammonton, a town of about 14,000 residents, sits approximately 35 miles from both Philadelphia and Atlantic City.